Verizon Hum

By Bayle Emlein

Verizon operates the biggest US wireless network and has the best Unlimited plan. It makes sense that they would be offering two versions of a device to make your auto-mobility the best possible experience. The device, and accompanying app, are called Hum. Hum+ and HumX offer two levels of support to take the hassle and worry out of driviing.

The basic Hum dongle-plus-app make every car with an OBD (onboard diagnostic) port a connected car. Most cars manufactured since 1996 have an OBD. The port is often well tucked in and nearly invisible unless you don’t already know it’s there. If the manual that comes with your car isn’t as clear as you’d like, ask YouTube to come to your rescue. While the location is inconsistent, the OBD connection is standardized, meaning that one dongle will work for any car.

What can you do with Hum? Why would you want it? As the ads for cars with built-in systems have told us, an onboard telematic system can give a driver instant access to help in an emergency. What else can Hum do? It can give you a report on the current diagnostics of your vehicle. It will explain those mysterious Check Engine lights and also send a warning of imminent problems to your phone. For example, it will report the declining health of your battery before it dies completely. Hum provides reminders for oil changes, tire rotation and other routine maintenance, again encouraging pre-emptive action. The Mechanics Hotline connects users with certified mechanics who give advice on vehicle issues and estimated repair costs: you go into the shop empowered rather than at the mercy of whatever you’re told while you’re standing there.

Pinpoint location helps emergency crews find your vehicle in case of a problem, including a crash. The same feature will help locate your car in case it is stolen.

In the absence of problems, to make driving more enjoyable, Hum includes coupons for discounts at local retailers, auto service providers, and restaurants; and an online booking tool to help save on hotels, flights, and cruises.

The Safety Score feature of Hum uses acceleration, speed, braking and cornering information to report information to the ubiquitous phone. This is the favorite feature of many parents of teen drivers. This and the pinpoint location feature, could also be helpful if there is an elderly driver in your life.

Hum, as noted above, comes in two flavors. Verizon showed Hum+ and HumX at the September 11 Mobile Focus event preceding Mobile World Congress Americas in San Francisco. HumX adds Bluetooth calling, Wi-Fi, and the Roadside Assistance options to the Hum+ features.

Neither smartphone nor vehicle is included with Hum+ or HumX